The Demonization of North Korea: A Critical Look at Propaganda and Colonial Complicity

 North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most misunderstood and relentlessly demonized nations in the world. Western media, particularly outlets from the United States and its allies, consistently portray the country as an irrational, oppressive, and dangerous "rogue state." This narrative is not accidental—it serves a clear geopolitical purpose. For people from nations with a colonial past, uncritically accepting this propaganda is not just intellectually lazy; it is a betrayal of the anti-imperialist struggles that shaped our own histories.


The Mechanics of Demonization

The portrayal of North Korea follows a familiar pattern used against any nation that resists Western hegemony:

  1. Dehumanization – North Koreans are often depicted as brainwashed, robotic, or incapable of independent thought. This strips them of their humanity, making it easier to justify hostility against them.

  2. Exaggeration and Fabrication – Stories about North Korea are frequently sensationalized or outright fabricated. From the infamous "execution by anti-aircraft gun" myth to exaggerated claims about human rights abuses, many allegations crumble under scrutiny.

  3. Double Standards – While North Korea is condemned for its political system, far worse human rights violations by U.S. allies (Saudi Arabia, Israel, Colombia) are ignored or downplayed.

  4. Historical Amnesia – The devastating impact of U.S. bombing during the Korean War (which killed an estimated 20% of the North’s population) and decades of sanctions are erased from mainstream discourse.

Why Former Colonized Nations Should Know Better

Countries that have suffered under colonialism should be the first to recognize this propaganda playbook. The same tactics were used to justify invasions, coups, and sanctions against nations like Vietnam, Cuba, Iraq, and Libya. The demonization of North Korea is not about "human rights" or "freedom"—it is about punishing a country for refusing to submit to U.S. dominance.

Many former colonies also have histories of being labeled "backward," "savage," or "tyrannical" by colonial powers. Accepting Western narratives about North Korea means endorsing the same imperialist logic that was once used against our own people.

What We Can Do

  1. Question Western Media – Seek out alternative sources, including reports from journalists who have actually visited the DPRK.

  2. Reject Hypocrisy – Hold Western nations accountable for their own human rights abuses before lecturing others.

  3. Stand Against Sanctions – Economic sanctions are a form of collective punishment that disproportionately harm ordinary North Koreans, not the government.

  4. Support Diplomacy – The only way to reduce tensions is through dialogue, not threats and regime-change fantasies.

North Korea is not a perfect society—no nation is. But the relentless demonization it faces is a tool of imperialist aggression. For those of us from formerly colonized nations, we have a duty to resist this propaganda. We must stand in solidarity with all nations resisting foreign domination, because if we don’t, we betray the struggles of our own ancestors.

The next time you hear a sensationalized story about North Korea, ask yourself: Who benefits from this narrative? The answer is always the same—empire. And empire must always be opposed.

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